Electric Vehicles
1. Where do we stand now – with reference to an electric car driver’s complain about the awkward and unreliable charging infrastructure which makes long-distance travel a nightmare?
2. Why does even the cheapest version of electric vehicle remain so expensive? Whether the cost of electrical-vehicle battery remains cheaper than an IC engine?
3. Are we abruptly not comfortable with IC engine vehicles (emitting CO2 & other exhaust gases) and now would like to revive the same old concept of electric vehicles (which was exhibited in 1830s – even before Darcy) – with the obligation of intelligent transportation system, which in fact got commercialized at the end of 19th century itself (of course, which again got disparaged due to the usage of heavy batteries, hitches in refueling and the limited mileage ranges - despite their high reliability, high power density, high efficiency and their ability to start immediately)?
4. Whether the technological advancements in batteries (in terms of battery life, energy density, charge capacity, voltage output, energy efficiency & charging systems), electric motor drives, automotive technology and system integration - have really ensured a firm space for electric vehicles as on date across the globe?
How about the current market share of electric vehicles? Still, on the rising trend?
5. Which one of the following has emerged to be the most efficient electric vehicle as on date? (a) battery electric vehicle (BEV); (b) hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) (equipped with both IC engine and electric motor); (c) fuel cells battery electric vehicle (FCEV); (d) solar battery electric vehicle (SEV); and (e) electric vehicle powered by supply lines.
How about the reliability of the above electric vehicles in terms of their ‘stability of the motor system’ (along with vibration and noise of a bearing) as a function of ‘DC/DC converter’ (for reducing the voltage); ‘inverter’ (for driving the motor); and ‘electric motor’ (DC motor; multi-phase induction motor; permanent magnetic motor; PM brushless DC motor; switched reluctance motor)?
Whether the current technological advances have really gotten rid-off the problems associated with ‘electromagnetic interference’ (EMI); and ‘radio frequency interference problems’ that make the motor unstable?
How about the premature failure problems – associated with the components such as bearings, seals, pads and gears – resulting from the induced shaft voltages and currents? (in particular, ‘bearing failure’ and ‘lubrication failure’ problems)
6. Have we found a means to enhance the lifetime of an electric motor despite all the limitations?
7. Is it going to be an enhanced electrical failure (in bearings) rather than a mechanical failure?
8. Have we completely minimized the morphological damages resulting from shaft voltages and bearing currents (frosting, fluting, pitting, spark tracks)?
So many realistic quesitons in this discussions. Let us look at a few things.
1. Is electricity coming from Zero Carbon sources or conventional sources ?
2. Already, electricity generation is dumping twice the energy as waste into environment, for fossil fuel plants.
3. If all fossil fuel plants are closed, can the humanity mange with, a) Hydro Power, b) Solar Power and c) Wind power ? And then, think of charging EVs with this power ?
4. EVs are a big MYTH in long run. Rest assured, wastes from batteries and solar panels is not yet though of. They will pose larger problems than nuclear and radio-active wastes.
If the EVs and / or batteries are so efficient, in making the world as 'GREEN', one should look at the following option.
a) Simply, unmount the IC engine of a car, from the chasis. Replace it with a motor and batteries.
b) Rest of the power train is in good condition, thus, with minimum cost, one should be able to do this. Even the power train can be removed, and mount the motors on the rear axle. It will be ultimate solution.
c) However, no manufactuter will allow this. Because, this EV making is a bigger mafia than drug mafia, as of now.
d) Similarly, upgrade all the bicycles and two wheelers, with the above concept. Just add a battery and motor. This will fulfill local needs of travel upto 10km to 20km.
Any thoughts / comments on the above ?
Battery costs are keeping the price of electric vehicles higher than their gas-powered counterparts, analysts say. Electric vehicle batteries are typically made from minerals like lithium, cobalt and nickel that have to be made from minerals that are in high demand.
In continuation to my previous answer, here I can give another anology.
In a traditional SLR film camera, if I add an image sensor, at the location of film, I should be able to convert the same as Digital SLR. No researcher or manufacturer will allow this kind of conversion. It will kill their factories and process. Same with EVs, for replacing IC engine power train with motor and battery pack. Leave the generation of electircity and charging the EV batteries for the time being. Total efficiency in the cycle / process, end to end, drops down to less than 20%. Is it worth ?
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